Effects of a balance training protocol on knee joint proprioception after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common knee injuries in sport. A variety of surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols are used to treat ACL injuries. Those injuries, lead to impair function and loss of proprioception. New research demonstrates that rehabilitation should be based on proprioception. The ACL not only serves a mechanical role by limiting passive knee mobility but also serves sensory role through the mechanoreceptors deep in its tissue, which communicate with the neuromuscular system to provide proprioceptive feedback. The main purpose of the study was to assess the influence of a balance-training program on knee joint proprioception, between acl reconstructed patients who had a lack of proprioceptive ability. They had undergone acl reconstruction at a mean of 22 months (range 8-30) before the initiation of the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups, one experimental (group A) and one control (group B). We assessed proprioception using Biodex stability system and two different kinds of balance boards, in 24 patients with mean age 29,1 yr. The results shown that stability indices of balance appeared improved for the reconstructed leg and there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group (p < 0.05).